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Smokefree Policy

Rationale

The Comets Baseball Club Inc. recognises that exposure of non-smokers to environmental tobacco smoke (passive smoking) is hazardous to health and that non-smokers should be protected.

Passive smoking can lead to serious illnesses in adults such as bronchitis, lung cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Children can also develop chest illnesses and asthma from exposure to tobacco smoke. Accordingly, the following policy has been developed by Comets Baseball Club Inc. to protect the health of all concerned.

The move to go smokefree also complements the Comets Baseball Club Inc.’s desire to create a healthy family and community friendly environment.

The Comets Baseball Club Inc. believes that such an environment and image will be advantageous in attracting new members as well as positively promoting the club in the community.

Legislation and the legal duty of care also provide clear reasons to have a smoke free club.

Under common law the Comets Baseball Club Inc. has a legal duty of care to ensure that employees, volunteers, members, players and officials are not exposed to potentially harmful situations.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act stipulates that employees and working volunteers must have a safe environment to work in. NSW legislation also states that enclosed dining areas must be smoke free.

Who is Affected by the Policy

This policy applies to all members, administrators, officials, coaches, players, visitors and volunteers of the Comets Baseball Club Inc.

Timing

This policy is effective from 1/11/06 for all designated areas except for grandstands and spectator viewing areas which is effective 1/11/07.

Designated Smokefree Areas

The Comets Baseball Club Inc. requires the following areas to be smokefree:

clubhouse

toilet blocks

playing areas

eating areas (i.e. Clubhouse forecourt)

grandstands and spectator viewing areas

near entries and exits of buildings, facilities, and the ground (ten metre radius).

Behavioural Expectations

The Comets Baseball Club Inc. recognises that role modelling can have a significant impact upon the junior members of the club. Hence, the following individuals and groups are to refrain from smoking while they are acting in an official capacity for the club or while in club uniform:

coaches (when coaching, representing the club or while in club uniform)

trainers (when training players or while in club uniform)

officials (when officiating for the club or while in club uniform)

volunteers (when working for the club or while in club uniform)

players (when representing the club or while in club uniform).

Coaches and trainers will also speak to junior players about the effects of smoking on performance and health.